One model from 3

[attyla]

I would like to make one model consists from 3 different models. If I didn't do that, it is always wrong. I am sure it is possible, because i have seen somewhere something like that. So i suppose that is possible but i do something wrong.
I tried to make it by tree different ways:
1. i make 3 complete models, then i group them into one and merge groups into one model (i can see only first merger model)
2. I make 3 complete models (i left one only body and all "attachments"), then i merge them into one (i can see only two models)
3. I make 3 complete models (i left one only body and one from each "attachments"), then i merge them into one (i can see only two models)
What's wrong?

[attyla]

I remembered! It was Stykhikon unit in mod Regions. There was 3 or more completly different models in one mesh file.

[irishron]

And it came from CBUR.

[AnthoniusII]

I remembered! It was Stykhikon unit in mod Regions. There was 3 or more completly different models in one mesh file.

And it came from CBUR.

True...Caesar Clivus made such a unit..
Question :How?
Answer: Easy.

There are two skins in each model.
The figure
The attachments
There is NO rule that says that in the attachment you can't add bodies or that in figure you can't have shields,helmets etc..
So..gather the entire material each unique warriors require in only one texture (figure or attachment).
Body
Helmet
Shield
weapon etc...
Do the same for the other warriors.
For example you can have two in figure and two in attachment.
The main problem will be the parts that must remain unique...
That might be helmets, faces, shields...
So...you chose everything related to one warrior in ms3d parts section and
press regroup.
Name that new group

Body
body_01
0

Do the same with the other groups as well...
Do not group weapons with them though IF the unit will have primary and secandary weapons because they need proper comments.
For that reason your warriors would be better to be same "style" so changing weapons wont look strange.
For example: Scythicon had 4 steppe warriors.
They all had same bows and sabres.

That solution is good when you have to have feudal knights that you must be sure that they will use the same shield and body CoA.

[attyla]

So i should make 2 models in "normal" mode and 1 as an attachment? I want to make mesh containing 1 tsar's unit body, one dvor cavalry and one kwarizmian cavalry.
So if i understand you well, i need to make 3 complet models, 2 use as figure and one as attachment?

[AnthoniusII]

So i should make 2 models in "normal" mode and 1 as an attachment? I want to make mesh containing 1 tsar's unit body, one dvor cavalry and one kwarizmian cavalry.
So if i understand you well, i need to make 3 complet models, 2 use as figure and one as attachment?

Yes....If you "regroup" parts those parts CAN NOT be in different textures.

[attyla]

One more question: if i make bodies as attachments, i suppose, i need to make weapon as figure? Is that correct?

[Gigantus]

I am a noob with the actual 3D modelling, but you should be able to have multiple models in one mesh by first merging the groups of each model into one and then merging those models into one mesh. Textures will obviously have to be merged into one file as well and then assigned in milkshape with the texture editor(?).

Or am I messing things up here?